Aged Care Insite Issue 102 | Aug-Sep 2017 | Page 37

technology Will you be looking to create a new tool or just use one that’s already on the market? What we’re anticipating is that we’ll use available technology and then adjust it so it’s more suitable. So, not designing all aspects of the technology, but making sure how it’s used is easy to navigate for older people. How accurate is voice-to-voice translation technology? How confident can a user be that the person they are conversing with has received the correct message? everyday care needs to carers who don’t speak the same language. Having access to something like this can ensure that those people with dementia from CALD backgrounds can communicate things like pain, and that simple safety messages can be communicated to them, and that they remain at home as long as possible with support from carers. That ability to talk to the person who’s coming to care for you and communicate your needs and your wants and desires will make a huge difference to your life. That’s a great question. We know that voice-to-voice technology can be quite accurate for very common languages, particularly if what sits behind has a dictionary of words and phrases within it. But for less common languages, it appears that the current voice-to-voice technology is not necessarily always accurate. What we’re going to do is use interpreters to ensure that when we finally get to the point of implementing this new approach there is accuracy in the translated text. When might we see this form of the technology used in the community? What’s the timeline like for the project? What difference do you think an intervention like this could make to the everyday lives of people with dementia from CALD communities? Definitely. At the moment, we are just trialling this within the aged care sector. But certainly, there is potential application for use in hospital settings and within other day- to-day interactions – for example, at the shops – for those everyday needs. ■ I think it could have a huge impact. Currently, it’s very difficult for people from different backgrounds to communicate their We have a two-year timeframe for this project. We anticipate doing some pilot work towards the end of those two years. Depending on the outcome of that, further refinement and development of the technology would have to happen to see it implemented on a larger scale. Could this technology have broader applications or be adopted by other community groups or services? Difficulty navigating the Aged Care minefield? Our fully integrated suite of software is compliant with the latest legislation and can help you plot your way through. ✓ Stable, reliable and cost effective ✓ Fully backed up with support desk and training ✓ AIM is ‘hands on’ using its own software daily, providing payroll bureau and fully outsourced financial Management Services ✓ Community Care module is CDC compliant ✓ Our clients benefit from our knowledge of the industry and the commitment to develop ongoing practical solutions To find out how AIM can help chart your next course ✆ Call sales 03 9264 8700  AIM ad_APN Insite_185x133_Aug2015.indd 1 Email us [email protected]  Visit us www.aimsoftware.com.au  33/41–49 Norcal Rd Nunawading 3131 11/08/2015 12:19 pm agedcareinsite.com.au 33